1998 Ford Explorer Bolt Pattern
Checking fitment for your vehicle? Below you will find the factory bolt pattern (also known as the lug pattern) for the 1998 Ford Explorer, along with offset and center bore data.
| Bolt Pattern (Lug Pattern) | 5x114.3 (5x4.5") |
|---|---|
| Lug Nut / Bolt Size | N 1/2" |
| Center Bore (CB) | 70.5 mm |
| Offset (ET) | 44 |
| Torque Specs | 100 ft-lbs (135 Nm) |
1998 Explorer — Year-Specific Fitment Context
The 1998 Ford Explorer is in year 7 of 33 using the 5x114.3 pattern (1992–2024). Wheels from any 1992–2024 Ford Explorer are cross-compatible with the 1998 model.
Ford Explorer Bolt Pattern by Year
The table below shows how the Explorer's wheel specifications have changed over the years. The 1998 model year is highlighted.
| Year | Bolt Pattern | Center Bore | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 1993 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 1994 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 1995 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 1996 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 1997 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| ▸ 1998 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 1999 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2000 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2001 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2002 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2003 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2004 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2005 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2006 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2007 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2008 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2009 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2010 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2011 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2012 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2013 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2014 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2015 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2016 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2017 | 5x114.3 | 70.5 | 44 |
| 2018 | 5x114.3 | 63.4 | 40 |
| 2019 | 5x114.3 | 63.4 | 40 |
| 2020 | 5x114.3 | 63.4 | 40 |
| 2021 | 5x114.3 | 63.4 | 40 |
| 2022 | 5x114.3 | 63.4 | 40 |
| 2023 | 5x114.3 | 63.4 | 40 |
| 2024 | 5x114.3 | 63.4 | 40 |
Fitment Notes
The 1998 Ford Explorer has a bolt pattern of 5x114.3.
Imperial Conversion: This bolt pattern is commonly referred to as 5x4.5" in imperial units. When searching for aftermarket wheels, you may see them listed as 5x4.5".
This means it is a 5 lug pattern with a circle diameter of 114.3mm. When shopping for aftermarket wheels, ensure the "lug pattern" or "PCD" matches these numbers.
Year-to-Year Fitment Context
In our dataset, Ford Explorer appears from 1992 to 2024 (33 model years).
Across recorded model years, this model generally keeps the same bolt pattern.
- Observed bolt-pattern variants for this model: 1
- Observed center-bore variants for this model: 2
- Observed lug-size variants for this model: 2
- Observed total offset span across years: 4.0 mm
5x114.3 Pattern Context
This bolt pattern appears on 2902 vehicles in our current database and is considered very common.
Examples of other vehicles using 5x114.3:
1998 Ford Explorer — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bolt pattern for a 1998 Ford Explorer?
The 1998 Ford Explorer uses a 5x114.3 bolt pattern (also called lug pattern or PCD). The center bore is 70.5mm and the offset is 44mm.
What other years of Ford Explorer have the same bolt pattern as the 1998?
The Ford Explorer uses the 5x114.3 pattern from 1992 through 2024. Wheels from any of these model years are dimensionally compatible with the 1998, provided the offset and center bore also match.
Why is matching the 70.5mm center bore important for the 1998 Explorer?
The 70.5mm center bore ensures the wheel is perfectly centered on the hub. If the wheel is lug-centric instead of hub-centric, you may experience steering wheel vibration at highway speeds.
Will wheels from another Ford fit my 1998 Explorer?
Only if they share the exact same 5x114.3 bolt pattern, a compatible offset, and a center bore equal to or larger than 70.5mm.
Can I put aftermarket wheels on my 1998 Ford Explorer?
Absolutely. Just ensure the aftermarket wheels have a 5x114.3 bolt pattern, an offset near 44mm, and a center bore of at least 70.5mm (using hub rings if larger).
How do I measure the bolt pattern on my 1998 Ford?
The 1998 Explorer uses a 5x114.3 pattern. For 4, 6, or 8-lug wheels, measure center-to-center across opposite holes. For 5-lug, measure from the center of one hole to the back of the opposite hole.
Fitment Checklist Before You Buy Wheels
- Confirm bolt pattern carefully. 5x114.3 is often confused with other common 5-lug patterns.
- Torque lugs in a star pattern to 100 ft-lbs (135 Nm), then re-check torque after 50-100 km (30-60 miles).
Editorial Fitment Notes
Ford Explorer is generally consistent in bolt-pattern records across model years, but offset and hardware should still be validated before purchase.
- Observed production years in our database: 1992-2024 (33 model years).
- Observed bolt-pattern variants: 1 (5x114.3).
- Observed total offset span across years: 4.0 mm.
- Observed center-bore variants: 2 | lug-size variants: 2.
Data Quality & Review
Source note: Compiled from manufacturer fitment references, historical wheel data, and internal normalization rules.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-26 | Reviewed by: Bolt Pattern HQ Editorial Team
If you find a discrepancy for 1998 Ford Explorer, please report it via our About page contact so we can verify and update this record.